Construction site at Molkenmarkt: what treasures are stored in the ground

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  One of Berlin's major construction sites: Molkenmarkt.

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  Flats are to be built near the Red Town Hall in the future.

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  The finds include a child's shoe made of leather.

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  Special find: five and a half denarii from the 13th century.

Archaeologists have already made around 700,000 finds on the large construction site at Berlin's Molkenmarkt - including a treasure trove of coins.

The medieval denarii date back to the 13th century, according to the State Monuments Office. A new neighbourhood with flats is to be built on the site in front of the Red Town Hall.

Remains from several centuries of the city's history

Until now, it was mainly asphalt that could be seen there - where the car park and road once ran, the remains of several centuries of the city's history can now be found in the excavated pits. This is one of the largest excavations of the city centre in Germany, said state curator Christoph Rauhut. They have been working for six years and are facing major challenges, for example because roads and pipes have to be laid.

Finds are exhibited at Petri Berlin

The area of 22,000 square metres had to be worked through systematically, said Rauhut. On average, they go four metres deep. The effort is worthwhile because finds from the time of the town's foundation right through to the 20th century have been discovered. For example, a sock and leather shoes from the 15th century, a flute made of bone from the 14th century and marbles from the 17th century were discovered. Some of the finds are on display in the Petri archaeological laboratory and exhibition centre. Much still needs to be processed.

Excavations possible until the end of 2027

According to the State Monuments Office, the excavations could last until the end of 2027. Flats are to be built on the site. A spokeswoman for the Senate Department for Urban Development said that building construction is expected to start in 2029. The first buildings could then be occupied in 2032. "We are literally repairing the city here," said Senator for Urban Development Christian Gaebler (SPD). The building construction competition has started and they are eagerly awaiting the designs. Archaeological windows will later provide a view of the city's history, which is currently being uncovered by the excavation teams.